CHATA

#25-Tatto Convention Day 2

In this Chata episode we are at the day 2 of the Twisted Gold Tattoo Convention, hosts Chuy Herrera and Timo Duran continue capturing the energy, creativity, and community behind one of the region's fastest-growing events. This episode offers a deeper look into the convention experience, featuring conversations with tattoo artists, vendors, and entertainers who bring the event to life. From lighthearted moments with attendees and families to in-depth discussions with artists from shops like Tidal Wave Tattoo and Speakeasy Tattoo, the episode explores the personal journeys, artistic philosophies, and evolving culture of tattooing. Guests share stories about how they entered the industry, the challenges of building a career, and the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing creative landscape.The episode also highlights the broader entertainment surrounding the convention, including live wrestling promotions and community-driven attractions that transform the event into a full-scale experience. Through candid dialogue and humor, the hosts emphasize the strong sense of camaraderie within the tattoo community, where collaboration, mentorship, and shared passion play a central role. So grab a snack and a drink while we sit down and CHATA!

#26-Tattoo Convention day 3

In this CHATA episode we are at day 3 of the Twisted Gold Tattoo Convention, the hosts close out the weekend with an engaging mix of artist interviews, local business highlights, and reflections on a surprisingly dynamic event. This episode features in-depth conversations with talented tattoo artists, including Star of Tidal Wave Tattoo, who shares insights into her artistic style, industry evolution, and the growing influence of digital tools and AI in modern tattooing. The discussion highlights the balance between creativity, technical skill, and client expectations in an increasingly competitive field. The podcast also spotlights local entrepreneurs, including the team behind Luna & Co., who discuss launching a teeth-whitening and cosmetic business in a small-town market. Their story offers a candid look at the challenges of starting a business from licensing hurdles to overcoming skepticism and the rewards of building something independently. A standout moment of the episode includes a conversation with Tony, a champion tattoo artist, who reflects on his unconventional path into the industry, the discipline required to succeed, and the mindset needed to sustain long-term growth. His perspective emphasizes consistency, adaptability, and confidence in one's craft. The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the convention as a whole highlighting the diverse talent, strong community engagement, and unexpected scale of the event. From tattoo artists and vendors to live entertainment and local businesses, Day 3 captures the full scope of an event that brought creativity, entrepreneurship, and culture together in one place. So grab a drink and a snack while we sit down to CHATA!

#24-Tattoo Convention Day 1

In this episode of CHATA Podcast, hosts Chuy Herrera and Timo Duran bring listeners straight into the energy of the Twisted Gold Tattoo Convention. Surrounded by artists, vendors, and enthusiasts, the episode captures authentic conversations that highlight the culture, creativity, and personal stories behind tattooing. From candid discussions with Lydia of Gold Leaf Dispensary about meaningful ink and tattoo experiences, to in-depth interviews with event organizers on building a growing, community-driven convention, the episode showcases the passion fueling this unique event. Listeners also hear from tattoo artists across the region, including rising professionals and seasoned shop owners, who share their journeys, artistic styles, and the realities of breaking into the industry. Blending humor, raw storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insight, this episode explores tattoo culture as both personal expression and professional craft. It also highlights the importance of community support, small-town events, and the evolving landscape of art and entrepreneurship in places like Winnemucca. So grab a snack and a drink as we sit down and CHATA!

#23-Jason Mayne

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the CHATA Podcast, host Chuy Herrera sits down with longtime friend Jason Mayne for an unfiltered conversation about faith, failure, redemption, and unimaginable loss. Born in Napa Valley and raised in small-town Nevada, Jason shares stories of growing up on a hobby ranch, navigating identity struggles as a teenager, and searching for acceptance through sports, partying, and performance. What began as a small-town rebellion escalated into substance abuse, destructive choices, and a lifestyle that nearly cost him everything. Jason speaks candidly about failed military pursuits, life in the mining industry, divorce, steroid abuse, infidelity, and the moment he hit rock bottom, a turning point that led him to surrender his life to faith and begin the long process of rebuilding. But the most heartbreaking chapter of his story came in 2018, when Jason and his family lost his son, Denali to suicide. In this episode, he vulnerably shares the weight of that loss, the questions that follow tragedy, and how faith, community, and purpose have carried his family forward through grief. His testimony brings awareness to the realities of depression, the importance of suicide prevention, and the urgent need for open conversations around mental health especially in rural communities. This conversation is not just about redemption; it is about resilience. It is about choosing hope when everything feels shattered. The episode closes with Wrecked by Imagine Dragons, a song that held deep meaning for Denali and serves as a powerful tribute to his memory. So grab a drink and a snack while we sit down and CHATA!

#22-Derek Hinkey

In this episode of the CHATA Podcast, host Chuy Herrera sat down with Derek Hinkey, an actor, proud Native American, and native of McDermitt, Nevada for a powerful and authentic conversation about identity, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Raised in a hardworking rural community, Derek shares how early responsibility and accountability shaped his mindset long before he entered the workforce. He reflects on the lessons learned from starting at the ground level, earning respect through action, and navigating the pressures of demanding blue-collar environments. From long shifts to high-stakes decision-making, Derek offers an honest look at what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead. Derek also opens up about his Native American heritage, speaking candidly about the culture that grounds him and the challenges that come with it. He discusses the importance of preserving traditions, representing his community with pride, and overcoming the unique struggles faced by Indigenous people in both professional spaces and the entertainment industry.Beyond his work ethic, Derek shares his journey into acting, what inspired him to step into a creative field, the risks involved in chasing that path, and how the same grit that drives success in labor-intensive industries fuels his performance career. So grab a drink and a snack while we sit down and CHATA!